THE OPPIDAN TENSION
What do you know about the conflicts that are causing disharmony in the Oppidan Peninsula?
By Anema E. Core
T he Oppidan peninsula has been active for a very long time and has a pervasive history. Over 100 decades ago, the peninsula was very stark and empty. There were only a few nomadic tribes and groups passing through but not very many established civilizations. Back then, it was not common to build a city in the open air for fear of the attacks that frequently occurred in the time of Tiamat’s dragons. But after some time, Jewel Spar emerged, founded by Arch-Mage Nimz, who remains the leader of Oppidan’s oldest city and is said to be over 1000 years old. There have been instances where Nimz left Jewel Spar for decades at a time. Because of this, many people believe that the Mage is multiple generations of the Nimz lineage. Others think that Nimz found the boon of immortality 1years ago, but this is a discussion for another article on another day. The second city to find its home in Oppidan was the Dwarvin city of Dardin. Dardin was also around when the dragons roamed the realm, but as was common then, the dwarfs would live entirely underground for protection. Eight hundred years ago, however, the dwarfs emerged and formed their city. Then about a century later, Lunas was founded. The people of Lunas started as a traveling market, but because of the proximity of Jewel Star and Dardin, they set their roots in Oppidan. Nothing changed for 500 years until Rwendia was established as a port town, and then only 80 years ago, Granite was born as the baby of Oppidan. Now every city has its problems and secrets. For example, Lunas has a crippling economy that has created a class gap between the “haves” and “have nots.” There is almost no middle class, and the poor are so looked down upon that they are sent to a secluded part of the city that cannot even be found on a map. Anyone born into the impoverished community of South Lunas has practically no chance of changing their financial conditions. Their economy has perpetuated generations of poor and homeless without opportunity. What about Lunas has created this separation? Well, one of the biggest problems is the banking system. The lunas banks charge to keep your money. You have to pay money to have money. This not only inflates the economy, but it excludes those who cannot afford to pay the bank and forces them to have no financial security. Another example of inner-city dysfunction can be found in Rwendia. A little over a year ago, the dragon orcs attacked, and a quarantine was established in the city. The quarantine went on for so long that many of the citizens sought residence in other cities. When the quarantine was finally over, the few residents who returned to Rwendia found the city entirely populated with new people. Not only were there new citizens within the walls of Rwendia, but there were various sections of the city covered in a poisonous green fog that the locals call “dragon scale”. Upon arrival in the town, you have to purchase a 25gp gas mask. When the original Rwendians asked where the fog came from, they were promptly told that it arrived with the dragon orcs. Many people, however, never remembered the green fog during the battles. This was answered dismissively by the suggestion that the fog alters memory. There has been a task force put together to combat the fog, but this task force has made little or no progress. Many skeptics believe that this is a ploy by the new Duke of Rwendia to raise money. The previous Duke died in the battle. I was also in Rwendia during the campaigns, and I do not remember any “dragon scale.” So I would suggest to the skeptics to dig deeper. Now we move to Darin, which has a long history of institutional racism towards Elves. Of course, Dwarfs and Elves have always had public relations problems with each other, and the Dwarfs and Elves of Oppidan are no exception. Around the time that Granite was founded, Dardin began the practice of using their lifelong prisoners as lackeys. Any prisoner who was condemned to ser ve a life long sentence was automatically entered into the lackey selection process. Through the deal between Granite and Dardin, Dardin promised to provide lackeys to Granite for venturing 3groups to use in dangerous situations. They would make the lackeys go first to see if there was a trap ahead of imminent danger. This gave Dardin a profit, it allowed for Granite to pay adventurers less for dangerous assignments because there was less danger involved, and it saved adventure lives. This was called the lackey system. Over time the services of the lackeys expanded. For example, many are now used as guards in Lunas. The term “lackey” has been replaced with “slave,” which now describes more what these prisoners have to do. They are subject to the demands of thousands of people with no scruples. Conflict with this system was first aroused by the leader of Competence (the Number 1 adventuring group in The Cliff Edge Guild), Benny the Bard. Benny, who has problems with the slave industry, refused to use slaves in his missions. Therefore he couldn’t go on the same dangerous missions as the groups using slaves could. Other groups started to surpass Competence, and this started a mudslinging campaign that has led to the decline of slavery. Many people in Granite now dislike the practice. On the surface, the slave trade doesn’t seem that bad. The men who are used are all convinced felons who have to serve a life sentence. Many people say that it is merciful to give these prisoners some type of life again, even if it is slavery. The real question for me is this: Who are the slaves? These are people enslaved by Dardin, a Dwarvin city, so it is interesting to me that 82% of the prisoners that are sentenced to life are Elves. How are the prisoners of a dwarf city, which makes elves wear a special neckless even to enter, primarily Elven? From where are theses Elves coming? 4MY OPINIONS D ardin is desperate to get Granite on their side of the fight with Jewel Spar. They are also looking for Granite to start using their slaves again to help their economy. This is where the citizens of Granite come in. Who do you agree with? Dardin’s slaves help your economy, but who is it exploiting and does it even matter? My opinion is this: All of the cities in Oppidan are looking to pick a fight with each other. I believe that they need to get their own business together first. Justice for all is an honest intention and that is what every local government should be working on. How can anyone expect to have peace and harmony in Oppidan if each city-state can not produce peace and harmony within its own walls?
About the Author
Anema E. Core is an adventurer based out of Sneerwell. He has much experience with not only dangerous situations but also with diplomatic situations in which he has created much peace and mutual understanding. Anema is also a well accomplished bard. You may see him around playing various taverns all over the peninsula, otherwise you can always find him here in the Oppidan Exposé.
